R.E. News

During our Religious Education sessions, we have been learning about Saints and the Sacraments. The Catholic Church recognises saints as people who have dedicated their lives to following the ways and teachings of Jesus. 

Last week, we celebrated the Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and next week we will celebrate the feast of St Martin de Porres. We are also sharing the stories of other saints and Biblical people, including St Francis of Assisi and John the Baptist.

Liturgical Calendar

In the coming weeks, we will be celebrating the feast day of St Martin de Porres and acknowledging Remembrance Day. Our celebrations of these two events will be different to the ways we have celebrated in previous years. On November the 1st, the Catholic Church celebrates All Saints’ Day, followed by All Souls’ Day on November the 2nd.

St Martin de Porres

On Friday the 6th of November, we will be celebrating the feast day of St Martin de Porres, the patron saint of our school. Martin was born at Lima in Peru. His father was a Spanish knight and his mother was an Indian slave from Panama who had been set free. Martin wanted to give himself to God and asked for admission to a Dominican Convent. Brother Martin proved to be a wonderful religious. Before long, he began to work miracles. He was known to go through locked doors to help the sick. 

He cured so many sick people that everyone in the city of Lima would ask for Brother Martin when there was sickness. He would go to them all.  He loved all people as his brothers and sisters.  This kind-hearted saint was also very good to animals.  Although he was so famous in Lima, St. Martin always had a very humble opinion of himself. His name for himself was, in fact, "Brother Broom." When Martin died on November 3, 1639, this beloved saint was carried to his tomb by bishops and noblemen who wanted to honour the humble and holy brother.

St Martin de Porres is the patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, and all those seeking racial harmony. 

At school, we will be sharing a liturgy on Friday morning for all members of our community to view.

Lord God, we remember St. Martin de Porres who followed you in faith throughout his life. We pray that in our lives, by our words and actions, we too can show that we are faithful followers of Jesus. Amen.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who are recognised as saints. Although many of the known saints have their own feast day during the year, on November the 1st the Catholic Church remembers them all through the Solemnity of All Saints. 

Let us pray: Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. Bless the memories of your saints. May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love. Amen.

Remembrance Day

On November 11th, Australians will pause in silence to remember those who have died in the war, and to pray for victims of attacks and cruelty throughout the world. This is a day to pray for peace, to think about what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a country to bring God’s peace into the world.

As a school community, we will have a Prayer Liturgy on Wednesday 11th of November, at 11 am, dedicated to Remembrance Day.

“They shall grow not old, 

as we that are left grow old: 

Age shall not weary them, 

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun 

and in the morning,

We will remember them.”

Let us pray: God of love and peace, we gather to pray for those who gave so much for their country. May we always remember their sacrifices and their gifts of freedom and peace. We remember those who have died as a result of war or conflict, soldiers and civilians.  We give thanks for their lives and acknowledge their sacrifice. We ask that the peace of Christ will end all violence and that all may live together in harmony. Amen.

October – Mission Month

During October, we acknowledged World Mission Month and aimed to raise money and pray for those in the world who need our help. Our Social Justice Student Leaders organised a “Footy Colours’ Day" last Thursday as a fund-raising activity for the Catholic Missions. It was wonderful to see our students and teachers wearing the colours of their favourite footy teams. Thank you to all those who made a donation. On the day, we raised $206.85.

In previous years, we have held a “Crazy Sock Day” for “Socktober”, but this annual fun day has had to be deferred this year. We are hoping to hold the event in November, as another means to raise money for Catholic Missions. We will let you know when this day has been organised by our Social Justice Student Leaders.

Hoping you are all able to participate in our coming liturgies and celebrations as we move into the month of November.

Margaret Cronin

Religious Education Leader